New Delhi, July 18 (Agency) Expressing concern over the recent spurt in train accidents, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday slammed the Narendra Modi government accusing it of ‘systematically jeopardising rail safety’ as the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Mankapur railway station on Gonda-Gorakhpur section in Uttar Pradesh, that claimed atleast two lives and injuring dozens.
Kharge also demanded the expeditious installation of the Kavach anti-collision system on all routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents On social media post X, Kharge said, “The derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in UP, is yet another instance of how Modi Govt has systematically jeopardised Rail safety. Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured.”
Referring to the collision of goods train with the Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express that claimed 11 lives last month, Kharge said, “The Commissioner of Railway safety has said that the accident was “waiting to happen”! Failure of automatic signal, lapses at multiple levels in managing operations, and non-availability of critical safety equipment such as walkie-talkie with the loco pilot and train manager are some of the reasons cited for collision in the probe report”. The Rajya Sabha MP said, “PM @narendramodi and his Railway Minister, who leave no opportunity for self-publicity, must take direct responsibility of the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways. Our single demand — The Kavach anti-collision system should be installed expeditiously on all routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents”.